How High Must a Satellite Orbit to Remain Geostationary Over Jupiter?

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SUMMARY

The altitude required for a satellite to maintain a geostationary orbit over Jupiter, which has a rotational period of 9.84 hours, is determined by equating gravitational force to centripetal force. Given Jupiter's mass of 1.90E27 kg and mean radius of 6.99E7 m, the satellite must orbit at a specific radius from the planet's center. The relevant equation for this calculation is Fgrav = m(v2/r), where "r" is the distance from the satellite to the center of Jupiter.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational force and centripetal force concepts
  • Familiarity with orbital mechanics and synchronous satellites
  • Knowledge of basic physics equations, particularly Fgrav = m(v2/r)
  • Ability to perform calculations involving mass, radius, and orbital period
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the specific altitude for a geostationary orbit around Jupiter using the provided mass and radius
  • Explore the implications of Jupiter's rotation on satellite positioning
  • Research the characteristics of synchronous satellites and their applications
  • Investigate the differences between geostationary and geosynchronous orbits
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy students, aerospace engineers, and anyone interested in satellite technology and orbital mechanics will benefit from this discussion.

ookt2c
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Homework Statement


A synchronous satellite, which always remains above the same point on a planet's wquator, is put in orbit around Jupiter to study the famous red spot. Jupiter rotates once every 9.84 h. find the altitude of the satelite


Homework Equations



jupiter: mass in kg 1.90E27,Mean radius 6.99E7,period of revolutions3.74E8,Mean distance from the sun7.78E11 (t^2/R^3)(S^2/M^3)= 2.97E-19

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't know where to start , missed a day of class
 
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The force of gravity must be equal to the centripetal force. (But this is true for even if the satellite is not synchronous.)
 
ookt2c said:

Homework Statement


A synchronous satellite, which always remains above the same point on a planet's wquator, is put in orbit around Jupiter to study the famous red spot. Jupiter rotates once every 9.84 h. find the altitude of the satelite


Homework Equations



jupiter: mass in kg 1.90E27,Mean radius 6.99E7,period of revolutions3.74E8,Mean distance from the sun7.78E11 (t^2/R^3)(S^2/M^3)= 2.97E-19

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't know where to start , missed a day of class

Strictly speaking, this is possible only if the point on th eplanet is at the equator. I don't think that the Red Spot is on th eequator but let's pretend it is.

Then you have to impose that the force of gravity on the satellite is equal to m tiomes the radial acceleration so
F_{grav} = m \frac{v^2}{r}

where "r" is the distance from the satellite to the center of the planet.
 

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